Indian economy under the pressure of protesting truck drivers. Millions told the government enough

Indian truckers know how to fight for their interests. The protest, which was a reaction to the continuous increase in fuel prices, was attended by almost 10 million truck drivers. Their full mobilization and stubbornness led to the imposition of real actions on the government. The strike brought the expected effect – fuel costs will not be so high anymore.

The strike was initiated by the Indian Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC). The accepted form of the protest, which began on July 20, assumed the suspension of work and refusal of truckers to perform transport. In the following days, tankers and bus drivers also joined the protest. At the height of the strike, almost 10 million truckers took part in the strike! They firmly assured them that they would not return to the roads until there was an agreement with the government.

Postulates of the protesters

The main reason why Indian drivers started the strike was a continuous rise in diesel prices. Over the past few years, its prices have increased significantly, which has affected the work of transport companies. Therefore, the trade unions, in addition to reducing prices, also wanted them to be adjusted every quarter. The protesters also demanded the abolition of a high insurance premium and the resignation from the direct tender system for deliveries to ports. In addition, they postulated the reorganization of the toll collection system and their reduction.

Paralysis of the entire market

As a result of the mass strike, the Indian economy suffered significantly. For the first days, it was not felt, but at some point the accumulated stocks were over. Various products began to be missing – from vegetables, fruit to sand … the price of which grew by a hundred percent in a few days.

The strike also had a negative impact on oil dealers. The supply of diesel oil dropped, and the production and sale of vehicles throughout the country was disrupted. Interestingly, the protest also had a negative impact on deliveries for e-commerce companies. The protest caused large delays in the supply of the Amazon network in some cities.

The stubbornness paid off

On the eighth day of the strike, there was an agreement between the drivers represented by AIMTC and the Indian Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The government has gone for some concessions, including to consider lowering fuel prices. Within three months, an expert committee will be established to investigate all the key issues raised by the protesters. In addition, a mechanism will be introduced within six months to ensure that trucks can pass smoothly through toll booths.